Text4Baby offers helpful tips to moms on the go

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Move over, Dr. Spock. Moms today now have a new way to get important information about their pregnancy and their babies.

Smart Start of New Hanover County has joined a national campaign called Text4Baby.

Cynthia Boulay is 37 weeks pregnant with twins. She has been getting a wealth of important health advice, but it doesn’t always come from her doctor. Instead, it’s delivered to her cell phone.

“Reminding me to drink a certain amount of water a day, eating, making sure I actually eat for myself and for the baby, making sure I talk to my doctor the way I’m supposed to, ask the right questions,” Boulay described the advice.

Boulay signed up for the Text4Baby program when she was just ten weeks pregnant. Ever since then, she’s been getting two or three free texts a week.

“With the text messages, you get them so regularly and so frequently and the timing seems to be insane, like it’s always spot on, like exactly what I’m going through or I’m worried about,” she said. “I get a text message reassuring me, telling me not to worry.”

This free program isn’t just for expectant moms. Nikki Bascome had a baby boy two months ago. She just signed up.

“I think it will help me learn a little more about him and know what to expect with him, and I think also to remember to take care of myself, that I can’t take care of him if I’m not taking care of myself,” Bascome said.

Smart Start of New Hanover County has joined other national organizations to promote the Text4Baby campaign. The group hopes all pregnant and new moms will realize education begins at birth. That’s why these text messages, which also offer parenting tips, as well as critical health information, can play a big role.

“This is a way for moms to get hints on ways they can interact with their children, even things like singing to them or talking to them or making sure they get their immunizations,” Smart Start Family Services Manager Mebane Boyd said.

Welcome advice delivered right to in the palm of your hand.

To sign up, simply text the word BABY, or BEBE for Spanish speakers, to 511411. The messages are catered to your due date, or your baby’s age.